“We have to work a lot more to restrict a good Tanzania side, full of experienced players, that have been playing in the Caf Champions League. As we did, to unsettle them, and force them into long balls in the first leg, we must concentrate to get the job done. I have total belief in this team, to do the job,” Micho said.
The Cranes, whose defensive discipline was outstanding but also maintained pressure on Tanzania with the long ball, struggled to maintain possession for sustainable periods. That was until Micho introduced attacking midfielder Travis Mutyaba, who showed the significance of being comfortable on the ball through the all-important goal he scored.
Yet, the question that is abound now is whether Mutyaba is what Uganda needs to ensure a right balance in the team; steel in the back, but also attacking threat. Micho declined to answer this question, though, when asked. But for many, who watched the game, Mutyaba was pivotal, something he has proved all through his formative years in the under-age competitions.
Qualification to Chan finals would be a realization of a dream for Mutyaba. Back in December 2020, Mutyaba was part of the under-17 national team that stormed the Africa Youth Championship, after beating all and sundry in the Caf/Cecafa Zone qualifiers in Rwanda.
While Mutyaba and company were set to compete at the under-17 Africa Championship in Morocco between March and April 2021, it was called off due to Covid-19. Voted MVP at the tournament in Rwanda, because of his subtle and exciting dribbling skills upon which Uganda scored loads of goals following his assists, Mutyaba is deceptively an emerging gem.
Nothing highlighted that more than the goal he scored in the 3-1 final win over Tanzania. He dribbled past an entire back-line, earning a nickname from the TV commentators of ‘Messi’. Shortly before, the little magician had been Uganda’s second top-scorer at the under-15 Cecafa tournament in Eritrea 2019, behind Abasi Kyeyune, who scored nine goals.
This considered, Mutyaba’s rise to scoring on his Cranes debut is proof of work in progress, but also consistency that comes with class. Haruna Kyobe, a director at Vipers SC, said Mutyaba’s ability is the reason why he was given a scholarship at Kitende, between 2018 and 2020.
Notably, Mutyaba was the breath of fresh air at a struggling SC Villa last season, although he only scored one league goal. While he missed the greater part of the second round of the 2021/22 season, he contributed some vital assists for a team which struggled to open up defences.
He opened up Tanzania, and for many Ugandans, they will hope he can help Uganda complete the Tanzanian job as a starter or from the bench, and make it to its sixth successive Chan tournament.
inarticle} inarticle}
